Are you facing the 404 Error on your WordPress website? If so, then this blog post is for you. In this blog post, we'll help you fix 404 errors in WordPress with ease.
Imagine you click on a link, all excited, only to see a "404 - Page Not Found" message. It's frustrating, right? Well, you're not alone. These errors can happen for many reasons, like old permalinks or broken image links.
But don't panic! We're here to give you simple steps to diagnose, fix, and even prevent these errors from messing with your website. So, sit back relax, and read this blog post till the end to fix 404 errors in your WordPress website.
What is a 404 Error In WordPress?
A 404 error in WordPress pops up when the server can't find what you're looking for. It's like searching for a lost sock in a drawer, only to find it missing. This error message, "404 Not Found," is the server's way of saying, "Sorry, I can't find that page."
But why does it happen? Well, there are a few common reasons. First off, if you've moved your website to a new host or changed your URL structure without setting up redirects, you might trigger a 404.
Also, if your files don't have the right permissions or you've typed in the wrong URL, you'll hit a dead end. And sometimes, poorly coded themes or WordPress plugins can mess things up too, we have made a separate list of "must have SEO plugins" that a website should be equipped with in order to keep one's website error free and protect from security malwares.
How Does the 404 Error Affect Your WordPress Website?
Encountering a 404 error on your website can have some serious consequences. Picture this: someone clicks on a link to your site, excited to see what you have to offer, but instead, they're met with a frustrating "404 Not Found" message. This not only ruins their experience but also makes them less likely to trust your site.
Plus, it can increase your bounce rate, which tells search engines like Google that your site isn't very user-friendly. If you have too many 404 errors, it could even lead to a drop in your search engine rankings. But it doesn't stop there.
These errors also prevent search engines from properly indexing your site, meaning important pages might not show up in search results. And if other sites have linked to your missing page, you could be losing out on valuable traffic. Therefore, it's crucial to fix 404 errors in WordPress promptly to keep your site running smoothly and maintain your online reputation.
7 Ways To Fix 404 Errors In WordPress
Clear Browser Cookies and Browser History
One of the simplest ways to troubleshoot and fix 404 errors in WordPress is by clearing your browser cache and cookies. By clearing the cache and cookies, you're essentially refreshing your browser's memory and giving it a clean slate to work with.
Another trick is to try visiting your site in incognito mode, which bypasses any stored data in your browser. It's like peeking at your site with fresh eyes, free from any past browsing history. These methods help ensure that any 404 errors you encounter are not just temporary glitches caused by old data hanging around.
Set Up Permalinks
The second way to fix 404 errors in WordPress, is by setting up permalinks on your website. To do that, first you need to, log in to your WordPress Dashboard and head to Settings → Permalinks.
Then, choose the Default settings and hit Save Changes. After that, revert back to your previous permalink configuration by selecting your custom structure and saving again.
This little trick often does the job of resolving those pesky 404 errors. But if it doesn't work, don't worry. You can still troubleshoot by editing the .htaccess file in your WordPress installation directory. But how? Well, let’s find out.
Restore the .httaccess file
If you're still stuck with those stubborn 404 errors on your WordPress site, it might be due to an issue with the .htaccess file. But before you start, remember to back up your site to avoid any loss of your site’s data.
First, log in to your server using an FTP client and locate the .htaccess file in the same directory as folders like /wp-content/ and /wp-admin/. Download the file and access it in a text editor.
Then, head to the WordPress .htaccess support page and find the code that fits your site best. Copy and paste it into your .htaccess file, save it, and upload it back to your server. And, this is how you can restore the .httaccess file to fix the 404 errors in WordPress.
Implement 301 Redirects
If you've changed the URL of a specific page on your WordPress site and haven't redirected it yet, it's essential to take action to avoid those pesky 404 errors. You can do this either by tweaking your .htaccess file or using a plugin for a simpler solution.
And, if you are handy with codes then you you can add a redirect code to your .httaccess file to ensure anyone trying to access the old URL gets automatically redirected to the new one.
This is how the redirect code looks like: Redirect 301 /oldpage.html https://(Link of your website/webpage)/newpage.html
Alternatively, you can opt for the easy route by installing a plugin like Redirection. You can simply install and activate the plugin from your WordPress dashboard. And, after installion and setting up the plugin, you can quickly add a new redirection from the plugin’s settings.
Disable Old Plugins and Themes
The 404 error in WordPress can also cause due to an outdated or poorly coded plugin. Hence, to investigate, start by deactivating all plugins and switching to a default theme.
You can access your WordPress files using an FTP client like FileZilla and rename the plugins folder to something like "myplugins" in the wp-content directory. Then, check if the error still occurs. If it's resolved, that means one of your plugins might be the issue.
Now, systematically activate each plugin one by one in your WordPress dashboard and monitor your site for the reappearance of the 404 error. When you encounter the error again, you'll pinpoint which plugin is causing it.
From there, you can update or remove the problematic plugin to fix the 404 error and restore your website's functionality. It's a bit of detective work, but it's worth it to ensure a smooth browsing experience for your visitors.
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Update or Change WordPress URL In Database
If you're seeing the frustrating message "The requested URL was not found on this server" while accessing your WordPress website then don’t worry cause it can be resloved.
You can fix this error easily by following a few simple steps. First, head over to your PHPMyAdmin tool and locate your WordPress database. Once you're there, find the wp-options table (usually named something like "wp_options").
In this table, look for the entries related to your website's URL and update them accordingly. For example, if the shown URL is "https://www.abc.com/blog/", then you might need to change it according to you site’s url. In our site’s case it will look like this: "http://classictemplates/blog".
By making this adjustment in your database, you're telling WordPress where to find your site, which should resolve the 404 error.
Fix Broken Image Links
When it comes to fixing 404 errors in WordPress, broken image links can also be a common culprit. To tackle this issue, start by identifying any missing images on your website. To identify missing images on your WordPress website, start by carefully browsing through your site's pages and posts.
Look for any placeholders or broken image icons that indicate where images should be displayed but aren't loading properly. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated WordPress plugin like "Broken Link Checker" or "Link Checker" to automatically scan your site for broken image links. These plugins will provide you with a comprehensive list of broken image URLs, making it easier to identify which images are missing from your site.
After identifying the missing images, the next step is to update their URLs. Begin by locating the correct image files either on your computer or within your WordPress media library. If the missing images are on your computer, upload them to your WordPress media library. If they're already in your media library but have been moved or renamed, ensure they're correctly labeled and organized.
Once you've located or uploaded the images, you'll need to update their URLs within your WordPress content. This can be done by manually editing each page or post where the broken image appears and replacing the old image URL with the new one.
Alternatively, you can use a search and replace plugin like "Better Search Replace" or "Velvet Blues Update URLs" to update multiple instances of the broken image URL throughout your site. Remember to save your changes after updating the image URLs to ensure they're properly applied.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively identify and update missing image URLs and fix 404 errors in WordPress website. For more detailed insights into how you can keep your content on WordPress Engaging you can also visit our blog on "content optimization tips"
How To Prevent 404 Erros In WordPress?
To prevent future 404 errors on your WordPress website, there are several proactive steps you can take. Firstly, it's crucial to regularly monitor your website's health by performing routine checks for broken links, missing images, and other potential issues. This helps you catch and address any issues before they escalate into larger problems.
Additionally, setting up automated error alerts can notify you immediately if any 404 errors occur, allowing for prompt resolution. Implementing a custom 404 page is another effective strategy, as it provides visitors with helpful information and navigation options when they encounter a broken link.
Lastly, properly managing website changes and updates ensures that any modifications to your site, such as URL structure changes or plugin updates, are implemented smoothly and don't inadvertently cause 404 errors. By incorporating these preventative measures into your website maintenance routine, you can minimize the occurrence of 404 errors and provide a better user experience for your visitors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring your WordPress website is free from 404 errors is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and preserving your site's reputation.
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can effectively identify, troubleshoot, and fix 404 errors on your WordPress site. From diagnosing the root causes to implementing solutions like updating permalinks, redirecting broken links, and monitoring website health, you have the tools at your disposal to tackle this common issue.
Remember, regularly managing website changes and updates is essential to prevent 404 errors from occurring in the first place. By staying proactive and diligent in your website maintenance efforts, you can ensure a smooth and error-free experience for your visitors. So, don't delay take action today to fix 404 errors in WordPress and keep your website running smoothly.
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